Sjögren’s Syndrome: Therapy

If the condition is secondary to Sjögren’s syndrome, treatment of the underlying disease is the primary concern.

General measures

  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes):
    • Stay in rooms with adequate humidity.
    • Protect eyes from smoke and wind, for example, sunglasses.
    • Regularly close your eyes for a brief moment.
    • For more, see the topic of the same name.
  • Xerostomia (dry mouth):
    • Chew sugarless gum to promote secretion stimulation of the salivary glands.
    • Sour candies (sugar-free) or sour fruit also promote salivation.
  • Caries prophylaxis:
    • Rinses with chlorhexidine (antibacterial).
    • Fluoridation if necessary
    • Regular dental examinations
    • Professional dental cleaning (PZR)
  • Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use) and alcohol restriction (refrain from alcohol use) – both stimulants can increase the dry mouth
  • Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.

Regular check-ups

  • Regular medical checkups

Nutritional medicine

  • Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
  • Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
    • Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits).
    • Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
    • High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
  • Observe the following specific dietary recommendations for symptomatic therapy of xerostomia (dry mouth):
    • Drink plenty of fluids (a daily drinking amount of at least two liters is recommended).
    • Frequently drink small amounts (lemon or peppermint tea), which promotes salivation.
    • Buttermilk and kefir promote the formation of mucus (rinse with water). Fresh milk is not suitable.
    • For dry mouth, sucking frozen pieces of fruit and yogurt can provide relief.
    • Prefer: juicy food, sauces, soups, pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes.
    • Avoid: Crumbly and dry.
  • Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis.
  • See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
  • Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.